And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it.
NEHEMIAH 2:5KJVWhat does Nehemiah 2:5 mean?
Nehemiah 2:5 describes Nehemiah respectfully asking the king of Persia for permission to return to Judah and rebuild the city where his ancestors are buried. Nehemiah’s request is careful and humble, showing both his loyalty to the king and his deep concern for his homeland.
Nehemiah, a Jewish official serving the Persian king, speaks directly to the king in the royal court. He frames his request with politeness and deference, saying “If it please the king” and referring to himself as the king’s servant. Nehemiah’s main concern is to restore Jerusalem, described as “the city of my fathers’ sepulchres,” which highlights the personal and ancestral importance of the city to him.
The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 2:5
- מֶלֶךְ (melekh, “king”): This word appears twice, emphasizing the authority Nehemiah is appealing to and the respect he shows in addressing the ruler.
- עֶבֶד (eved, “servant”): Nehemiah calls himself the king’s servant, underlining his humility and subordinate position in the Persian court.
- שָׁלַח (shalach, “send”): Nehemiah asks the king to “send” him, which shows he is not acting on his own authority but seeking official approval and support.
- בָּנוֹת (banah, “build”): The word for “build” points to Nehemiah’s intention not just to visit, but to actively restore and rebuild Jerusalem.
Why Nehemiah 2:5 matters
- Nehemiah 2:5 shows Nehemiah’s wisdom in approaching authority: he balances respect for the king with honesty about his own desires.
- The verse highlights the importance of Jerusalem to the Jewish people, not just as a city, but as a place tied to family and heritage.
- This request sets the stage for the rest of Nehemiah’s story, where the king’s response will determine whether the rebuilding of Jerusalem can begin.